Officer's families shown the ropes

Ruapehu Bulletin, 1 September 1992, Page 19

Officer's families shown the ropes

By

Jan

Savell

MacDonalds was the highest priority for Officer Cadet Bob Gillies as he prepared to spend his first leave in eight weeks with his family in Taupo last week.

O/Cdt Gillies was one of the 29 junior class Officer Cadets to receive their Corps insignia at the Onwards Parade on Saturday. The parade marks the end of the first two months of rigorous

training. The parade is traditionally accompanied by an open day at the Officer Cadet School of New Zealand. Families of the junior class were invited to Waiouru to gain an

insight into the life of an army officer in training. About 60 guests watched as the soldiers received the belt, beret badge and gorget patches which symbolize their admittance to the Corps of Officer Cadets. Lieutenant Colonel Warren Whiting, Commandant for OCS(NZ), reminded the officer cadets of the history of the badge and urged them to honour the Corps.

"You are now members of the Corps of Officer Cadets. Move forward wearing the proud symbols of a history carried in battle honours that are the foundation of this nation's reputation" said Lt Col Whiting. After the morning parade guests were treated to a tour of the Officer Cadet School and the Army Training Group. In the afternoon officer cadets from both the senior and

junior classes put on displays to demonstrate some of the skills leamt. Officer Cadets from both senior and junior classes plan the entertainment themselves so staff were eager to view the displays. The fashion show put on by Casino Barracks was voted the most novel. A mock battle was performed in nearblizzard conditions but this didn't detract from the day.

"I think the weather today was a good example" said Officer Cadet Susan Nelson. "It was good to show parents some of what we go through". A confidence course competition between Tebago and Casino barracks was planned for the day but the weather precluded this. An obstacle course was improvised in the gymnasium and guests cheered Tebago Barracks on to a victory.